City, Penndot Must Share In Bridge Upkeep

The state Public Utility Commission has ordered the city of Allentown and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to share the cost of maintaining the Downyflake Lane bridge.

Maintenance of the bridge was the subject of a PUC hearing in August 1986. The bridge opened about three months later.

During the hearing, both the city and state disclaimed responsibility for maintaining the bridge.

Stephen F. Turoscy Jr., city streets and bridge engineer, said yesterday that the city was ordered to oversee the maintenance and send a bill to PennDOT for half of the cost.

"In addition, the city will be responsible for snow removal from the roadway and sidewalks," he said. He explained that snow removal from state- owned streets is a normal city function.

"Other maintenance costs may not be necessary for another 20 to 30 years," Turoscy said. "The bridge is concrete and will not be easily susceptible to deterioration caused by salting, water intrusion and weather conditions."

He and Neal E. Kern, city engineer, said the city will not appeal the PUC decision.

Kern argued at the hearing that the city did not request the bridge and, therefore, should not have to maintain it. He pointed out that PennDOT planned the $1.6 million bridge as an adjunct to the construction of Interstate 78.

John Werner, grade crossing liaison engineer at PennDOT's District 5-0 office, told the PUC hearing his department did not intend to bear the maintenance costs. He said Downyflake Lane is a city street and benefits city residents.

When Kern asked him if the city had ever formally requested the structure, Werner replied: "Not to my knowledge."

Kern said Downyflake Lane has been handling local traffic, but when I-78 is built along Route 309, Downyflake Lane will be a major artery for regional traffic between Emmaus Avenue and Lehigh Street.

Testimony also was given by Conrail, UGI Corp., Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. and Bell of Pennsylvania representatives.